NASA's Ocean Color IV contract awarded to SAIC for $21.3M supports global ocean remote sensing and data processing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,332,133 ($21.3M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2014-09-24
End Date: 2018-10-23
Contract Duration: 1,490 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS OCEAN COLOR IV IS A COMPETITIVE FOLLOW ON CONTRACT TO OCEAN COLOR III. THE REQUIREMENT IS FROM NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) OCEAN ECOLOGY BRANCH. THE SUPPORT SERVICES IN OCEAN COLOR IV INCLUDE: SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT SERVICES IN THE AREAS OF FLIGHT PROJECT OPERATIONS (AQUARIUS, MODERATE RESOLUTION IMAGING SPECTRORADIOMETER (MODIS), VISIBLE AND INFRARED IMAGER RADIOMETER SUITE (VIIRS)) FOCUSED ON GLOBAL OCEAN REMOTE SENSING, SATELLITE DATA PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION, OCEAN COLOR SENSOR CALIBRATION AND PRODUCT VALIDATION, PROCESSING ALGORITHM AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, OCEAN BIO-OPTICAL AND BIOGEOCHEMICAL FIELD DATA COLLECTION AND LABORATORY ANALYSIS, RESEARCH IN MARINE BIOGEOCHEMISTRY AND OCEAN DYNAMICS.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $21.3 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS OCEAN COLOR IV IS A COMPETITIVE FOLLOW ON CONTRACT TO OCEAN COLOR III. THE REQUIREMENT IS FROM NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) OCEAN ECOLOGY BRANCH. THE SUPPORT SERVICES IN OCEAN… Key points: 1. Contract provides critical scientific support for NASA's ocean remote sensing missions. 2. Focuses on data processing, calibration, validation, and algorithm development for ocean color sensors. 3. Includes field data collection and laboratory analysis for marine biogeochemistry research. 4. Follow-on contract to Ocean Color III, indicating continuity of essential services. 5. The contract's duration and cost suggest a significant, long-term research and development effort. 6. Supports multiple key satellite instruments like Aquarius, MODIS, and VIIRS.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $21.3 million over approximately 5 years for specialized scientific support services appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar R&D contracts. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure allows for flexibility while providing a defined profit margin for the contractor. Without specific details on the scope of work for each phase, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the continuity from a previous contract suggests established efficiencies.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature of the award process generally leads to better pricing and innovation for the government. This approach ensures that NASA selects the most capable and cost-effective solution for its complex scientific requirements.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces and encourages a wider pool of contractors to vie for government work, leading to potentially better value.
Public Impact
Benefits researchers and scientists studying global ocean ecosystems and climate change. Delivers processed satellite data crucial for understanding ocean health and marine resources. Supports the operational continuity of vital NASA Earth observation missions. Contributes to advancements in marine biogeochemistry and ocean color remote sensing technology. Impacts the scientific community by providing validated data products and analytical tools.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely monitored.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical, long-term scientific support could pose a risk if performance degrades.
- The complexity of the scientific research may lead to unforeseen challenges impacting timelines or costs.
Positive Signals
- Follow-on nature of the contract suggests successful past performance and established working relationships.
- Full and open competition indicates a robust selection process, likely resulting in a highly qualified contractor.
- The contract supports critical scientific missions with clear objectives, indicating a well-defined need.
- The specific focus on data processing and validation ensures the usability and reliability of scientific findings.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for Earth observation and remote sensing services is highly specialized, involving a mix of government agencies, academic institutions, and private companies. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for advancing scientific understanding of Earth's systems, including its oceans. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within other large-scale scientific research and satellite data analysis contracts.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this contract. Given the specialized nature of the scientific support services required, it is possible that the prime contractor, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), may engage small businesses for specific components or expertise. However, without further information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, NASA will monitor expenditures to ensure they align with the fixed fee and the overall contract objectives. The agency's contracting officer and technical representatives are responsible for performance oversight. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Ocean Color III
- NASA Aquarius Mission
- NASA MODIS Program
- NASA VIIRS Program
- Earth Science Research Contracts
- Satellite Data Processing Services
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost growth.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical scientific support over several years.
- Complexity of scientific research may introduce unforeseen technical challenges.
- Dependence on the continued functionality and data output of satellite instruments.
Tags
nasa, gsfc, science-applications-international-corporation, research-and-development, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, definitive-contract, earth-science, remote-sensing, oceanography, maryland, satellite-data-processing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $21.3 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS OCEAN COLOR IV IS A COMPETITIVE FOLLOW ON CONTRACT TO OCEAN COLOR III. THE REQUIREMENT IS FROM NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC) OCEAN ECOLOGY BRANCH. THE SUPPORT SERVICES IN OCEAN COLOR IV INCLUDE: SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT SERVICES IN THE AREAS OF FLIGHT PROJECT OPERATIONS (AQUARIUS, MODERATE RESOLUTION IMAGING SPECTRORADIOMETER (MODIS), VISIBLE AND INFRARED IMAGER RADIOMETER SUITE (VIIRS)) FOCUSED ON
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-09-24. End: 2018-10-23.
What is the track record of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) with NASA, particularly on similar oceanographic or remote sensing contracts?
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has a long history of supporting NASA and other government agencies with complex scientific and technical services. While specific details on their performance on prior 'Ocean Color' contracts are not provided in this data snippet, SAIC's extensive experience in areas like satellite data analysis, mission support, and scientific research suggests a strong capability. Their ability to win a follow-on contract like Ocean Color IV, which is a competitive award, implies a satisfactory performance on previous related work or a highly competitive proposal. NASA typically conducts thorough past performance evaluations as part of its source selection process, so SAIC's selection indicates they met NASA's standards for reliability and technical expertise in this domain.
How does the $21.3 million cost compare to the previous Ocean Color III contract and other similar NASA R&D contracts?
The provided data indicates Ocean Color IV has a value of $21.3 million. To compare it to Ocean Color III, we would need the value of that predecessor contract. However, as a follow-on contract, it's reasonable to assume the scope and cost are comparable, potentially adjusted for inflation or scope changes. Benchmarking against other NASA R&D contracts in Earth science or satellite data processing requires access to a broader database of contract awards. Generally, contracts of this magnitude supporting long-term scientific missions involving data processing, algorithm development, and field research are typical for agencies like NASA. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure means the final cost could vary slightly based on actual labor and other direct costs incurred, up to the negotiated fixed fee.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Primary risks for this contract include potential cost overruns, given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, and technical challenges in complex scientific research and data processing. Schedule delays could also arise from unforeseen scientific complexities or issues with satellite data acquisition. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management by SAIC and close oversight from NASA's technical team. NASA's contracting officers will monitor expenditures and performance against milestones. The CPFF structure itself includes a fixed fee, which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize profit. Furthermore, the follow-on nature suggests that many initial risks may have been identified and addressed during the Ocean Color III contract.
How effective is the scientific support provided under this contract in advancing NASA's goals in oceanography and remote sensing?
The effectiveness of the scientific support is measured by its contribution to NASA's mission objectives in understanding ocean color and its implications for marine ecosystems and climate. This contract directly supports key instruments like Aquarius, MODIS, and VIIRS, providing essential services such as data processing, calibration, validation, and algorithm development. By ensuring the quality and usability of satellite-derived ocean color data, the contract enables scientific research into critical areas like phytoplankton dynamics, ocean productivity, and carbon cycling. The continuity provided by a follow-on contract suggests that the services are valuable and contribute consistently to NASA's long-term Earth science research goals. Ultimately, the effectiveness is reflected in the scientific publications, data products, and improved understanding of the global ocean derived from the supported missions.
What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's ocean color research and related satellite data analysis programs?
Historical spending patterns for NASA's ocean color research and related satellite data analysis programs typically involve significant, multi-year investments. Contracts like Ocean Color IV, valued at over $20 million, are indicative of the scale required for sustained scientific inquiry and data management. NASA consistently allocates substantial portions of its budget to Earth science, including missions focused on understanding ocean dynamics. Spending often involves a mix of large prime contracts for instrument development, mission operations, data processing, and scientific research grants. The 'follow-on' nature of this contract suggests a stable, ongoing program requirement, implying consistent historical funding for ocean color research over multiple budget cycles and contract periods.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1710 SAIC DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,059,643
Exercised Options: $35,059,643
Current Obligation: $21,332,133
Actual Outlays: $63,320
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 19
Total Subaward Amount: $2,409,082
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-09-24
Current End Date: 2018-10-23
Potential End Date: 2018-10-23 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-29
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